We’re Sorry

The Election of 1800

Students learn about the election of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which was eventually decided by Congress. Then they read about why this election set a precedent for future elections.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher
guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and
critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the
complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

In this experience, students learn about the election of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which was eventually decided by Congress. Then they read about why this election set a precedent for future elections.

Objective

Explain why Congress decided the election of 1800 and how that election set a precedent.

The Presidential election of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson was a bitter match filled with negativity and nastiness. The Federalists and Democratic-Republicans fought hard for control of the government because each side thought that a win for the other party would destroy the new nation.

Objective

Explain why Congress decided the election of 1800 and how that election set a precedent.

John Adams and the Federalists accused Jefferson of being against religion and believed he would lead the nation into war in Europe. The Democratic-Republicans felt that Adams had created a government that limited individual rights and gave too much power to federal authorities.

Take a look at this political cartoon created by the Federalists. This type of cartoon was used by political parties to try to sway voters’ opinions about the opposing candidates.

What do you notice in the cartoon? Explain the meaning of the elements you identified.

Post your answer

Discuss the cartoon with students and share an interesting or exemplary answer to the class for discussion. The Library of Congress explains that “In this cartoon, Thomas Jefferson kneels before the altar of Gallic despotism as God and an American eagle attempt to prevent him from destroying the United States Constitution. He is depicted as about to fling a document labeled ‘Constitution & Independence U.S.A.’ into the fire fed by the flames of radical writings. Jefferson’s alleged attack on George Washington and John Adams in the form of a letter to Philip Mazzei falls from Jefferson’s pocket. Jefferson is supported by Satan, the writings of Thomas Paine, and the French philosophers.”